Page 48 of Moonlit Kisses

“Okay. I’ll see you later.” Our goodbye is awkward.

I want us to be more than two colleagues saying bye.

I want hugs and lingering kisses.

I want him to tuck my hair behind my ear.

I want his hands on me.

I want to feel his arms around me.

But I get none of that.

* * *

My legs are shaky as I walk into the restaurant. I thought I was doing okay until it was time to climb out of my car and walk inside. As I step inside, I’m worried I haven’t chosen the right outfit. Perhaps I should have worn something a little dressier. I opted for the capris I used to wear for work and paired them with a white shirt and denim jacket to help dress them down a little.

Worrying about things that can’t be changed right now filters through my mind as I wait for the hostess—What if I disappoint him in some way? What if I’m not the type of daughter he expects me to be? What if I’m not good enough?

A middle-aged woman with jet-black hair and striking features greets me at the podium. “Welcome toParable. Do you have a reservation?”

I nervously tuck my hair behind my ear, my hand shaking. “Uh, yeah. I’m with Martin …” Shit! I can’t remember his family name. I saw it on the side of his truck, but I’m drawing a blank right now. “Uhm, I’m sorry. I don’t remember his surname.”

She smiles at me with warmth. “That’s okay. I have a booking here under the name of Martin DeLuca. He’s the only Martin we have, so I’ll assume he’s your companion for the evening.”

I fidget with my bracelet and give her a grateful smile. “Thanks. I’m incredibly nervous and I couldn’t remember, but that’s his name.” I chuckle nervously.

“He’s already here. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your table.”

We weave through the tables, and my eyes don’t know what to take in first. The garden is lush. When Martin said it had a heated outdoor patio area, I didn’t expect the restaurant to be like something I’d expect to find in a city like Palm Springs. Glancing up, thick vines grow over beams and hundreds, if not thousands, of fairy lights are strung up to add to the atmosphere. This place is gorgeous. By the time we arrive at the table, I’ve been distracted enough that I’m a little calmer and my legs feel less shaky. Thank goodness.

Martin stands abruptly, knocking his chair over as we stop at the table. A grimace forms on his face as he corrects his chair, and the hostess leaves us to our evening.

“Sorry about that. I’m a little nervous.” He pulls out my chair for me to sit, but I awkwardly turn to give him a hug. I feel slightly better knowing he’s feeling nervous, too. He squeezes me tight and then pushes my chair in as I sit, then takes his own seat. “Uhm, I didn’t order any wine because I wasn’t sure if you drink wine or what you like to have.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll have a beer if that’s alright?”Am I supposed to drink wine? Will he think less of me because I drink beer?

His shoulders drop and he gives me a shaky smile, running his fingers through his thick salt and pepper hair. “That’s perfectly fine.” He catches the eye of the waiter and orders two beers.

We’re both silent.

I fidget with my bracelet and peer around the restaurant awkwardly. Martin’s tearing the paper napkin to shreds as the waiter returns with our beers.

“Thank you.” He nods to the man, and I give him what I’m sure comes across as more of a grimace. Martin holds his beer up toward me, so I pick up mine. “To new beginnings.”

I tap the neck of my bottle against his. “To new beginnings.” We both take a sip. Mine is small while Martin seems to finish almost half of his bottle in one go. A small smile touches my lips. “I’m nervous, too.”

My words seem to put him somewhat at ease. “Did you go through the photos I left?”

“Yeah. It’s amazing to see Mom when she was that young. I mean, we had a few photos from when I was a baby, so she was young in those, but these … I don’t know. They seem like they’re from a different time. She looked so carefree.”

“I’d love to see those photos of you as a baby some time … uh … if you want to show them to me, that is.”

“Of course. There aren’t many, but I can show you next time. I didn’t think to bring them with me tonight.” I chuckle lightly. “It didn’t even cross my mind to return your photos. I’m sorry.” I hope he’s not angry with me for keeping them this long.

He waves me off. “Keep them as long as you like. I can probably print you a set, if you like.”

“That’d be great. If you don’t mind?” There were quite a few photos in the box. It wouldn’t be cheap to print copies.

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